The comic world's mean, green fighting machine The Hulk has enjoyed an incredible opening weekend, taking in $54.5 million at the U.S. box office.

The Incredible Hulk roared into first place, making a third of its $150 million budget in just three days in one territory.

The film, a collaboration between Marvel Studios and Universal Pictures, stars Edward Norton as a well-meaning doctor who turns into The Hulk and Tim Roth as his nemesis, The Abomination.

Animated comedy Kung Fu Panda fell to second place with an impressive $34.3 million, while M. Night Shyamalan's new thriller The Happening debuted at three with $30 million.

The new top five is rounded off by Adam Sandler comedy You Don't Mess With The Zohan at four and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at five.